We're coming together to honour the life of Alastair Kennedy, our beloved father. Alastair was a man with a heart of gold who over the years, dedicated time to charitable causes he cared about deeply. He participated in marathons, boxing day dips, and even charity chest waxes to raise money for cancer research and the Meningitis Research Foundation.

As a young girl, I suffered from meningitis, and Alastair was determined to make a difference. He ran the Marathon de Sables in the Sahara desert to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Alastair's charitable spirit was evident in this incredible achievement, and it's no surprise that he would want any donations received in his memory to go towards a good cause.

We had recently raised money for one local group (Major Movements), and now we're turning our attention to the OGGA Foundation. This local group provides support for children who have lost a parent through bereavement, a cause that was close to Alastair's heart. After losing his own mother tragically and suddenly at the age of nine, Alastair never fully recovered. He often told us how there were no tools or support for children suffering from bereavement back then. That's why he would be passionate about supporting groups like the OGGA Foundation that provide support and care to children who need it most.

The OGGA Foundation (based in Deal Kent), set up by a friend Rachel Archer in memory of her fiance David Archer, who suddenly lost his life and left behind two young children, is a community collaboration with United Families and supported by Talk it out. The Brave project is the OGGA Foundation's latest initiative, which entails monthly social groups for children aged 0-12. The groups aim to support the children's mental health and well-being through activities, provide an opportunity for them to meet others who have gone through similar situations, and most importantly, for the children to have fun and feel it is okay not to be okay.

We're grateful for any donations received, big or small, as they will make a difference in the lives of children who need it most. Alastair would have been proud to know that his memory is inspiring us to help make a positive impact on these children.

Thank you xxx